Gloria N. Bouterse

Dr. Gloria Nelleen Smith Bouterse PhD. born January 4, 1927 was the first baby born at 12:10 a.m. at Sparrow Hospital to Stanley Smith and Fannie W. Potter passed away December 31, 2017 at the age of 90.

She graduated from Eastern High School in 1944, Sparrow nursing school in 1947, B.A. in social work from MSU in 1955, M.A. in education from MSU in 1964, and received her PhD. in Philosophy/Education in 1975.

She had an extensive professional career starting as a nurse from 1949-1959 at Olin Health Center MSU, 1959-1973 Director of Practical Nursing at Lansing Community College, 1965-1973 Chairperson at Lansing Community College Dept. of Health and Director of Nursing Program and then in 1976 she became an Assistant Professor at MSU within the department of Family Medicine and Practice.

Gloria was a member of several groups; Lansing Zonta, serving as President from 1969-1970, Sparrow Nursing Alumni Association, Red Hat Society, and Williamston Gardening Club.

Gloria loved to spend time with her family and friends. She was passionate about photography and gardening; her love of gardening lead to her becoming a MSU master gardener. Gloria was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Charles T. Bouterse; her parents, daughter, Nelle Marie; brothers, Colburn, Jarvis, Detmer and Gorham Smith.

Surviving are son, Shawn (Angela); Daughter, Mary Mroz; grandchild Grant Bouterse; sister-in-law, Marjorie Sipple from Grand Rapids; brother-in-law, Vern Austin of Grand Rapids, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 11am with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will be Monday, January 8, 2018 from 6-8 PM all services to take place at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes 205 E. Middle St., Williamston MI 48895. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested to donate a memorial contribution to the Leukemia Foundation, Donor Services, PO Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grwilliamston.com.